Newsletter • April 22, 2025

Rehousing Sprint: DOH Vouchers and Bridge Housing

Driving Positive Outcomes

In just 2.5 weeks, RecoveryWorks has helped 13 Bridge Housing guests move into permanent housing, with 15 more on their way. This work is part a 40-voucher award to the City of Lakewood from the State’s Division of Housing. The success is in large part due to the hard work of our case management staff and Housing Specialist, Stacey Galvan, with the support from key funding partners: City of Lakewood, Colorado Division of Housing- Office of Homeless Initiatives, The Recovery Foundation, and Jefferson County Community Development.

The Bridge Housing Program at Mountain View Flats streamlines and facilitates the complicated process of moving from homelessness to housing. With support from 24/7 on-site staff and integrated on-site services, the program sets guests up for successful transitions to permanent housing. Launched in early 2024, Bridge Housing reflects RecoveryWorks’ core belief that housing with appropriate supportive services is the solution to homelessness. The program gives people stability and a fresh start to rebuild their lives.

Medical Respite Program Earns Official Certification

We’re excited to share that the RecoveryWorks Medical Respite Program has become certified by The National Institute for Medical Respite Care, a special program of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council! This means that we have completed a rigorous process to demonstrate a high degree of fidelity to nationally recognized principles, standards, and expectations in the field of medical respite care.

Since the RecoveryWorks’ Respite Care Program began, it has helped 155 people. Of those:

72% were experiencing long-term homelessness,
46% were over the age of 55, and
49% moved into stable housing after an average stay of 41 days.

This life-changing work is only possible because of your support and partnerships with the Kaiser Foundation, Intermountain Health, UC Health, and Stride Community Health. Thank YOU for making this program happen! You can learn more about our certification here.

Severe Weather Shelter Season Winds Down

The Severe Weather Winter Shelter at 8000 W. Colfax operated from January through April, offering critical support during extreme weather—below 20°F or 32°F with precipitation. Through collaboration with the City of Lakewood, Jefferson County and the dedication of staff and volunteers, the shelter protected lives and kept people safe. Highlights include:

38 nights open
889 total guests sheltered
Average 72 individuals sheltered per night
24 motel vouchers per night funded by Jefferson County Human Services

Thank you to our staff, volunteers, City of Lakewood and Jefferson County for making this life-saving program possible!

The Lakewood Navigation Center, located at 8000 W. Colfax, will temporarily close for a planned remodel aimed at transforming it into a groundbreaking year-round shelter model. We eagerly anticipate its reopening in late 2025.

Meet Our Bridge Housing Guest: Monique “Mo”

Introducing Monique “Mo,” who opens up about her journey through hardship and resilience, detailing her engagement with RecoveryWorks programs that guided her path to housing and stability.

“I never thought I’d end up homeless. I’ve worked my whole life, always believed in earning my way. But then I got sick with generalized dystonia, and everything started slipping away. I couldn’t work anymore, had to go on disability—but that wasn’t enough to keep me on my feet. Then things got worse…”

Read Monique’s Story

Meet our Board: Adam Burg

Adam is a seasoned government affairs professional at Foster Graham Milstein & Calisher, with more than a decade of experience in legislative relations, policy analysis, and political strategy. He guides clients through complex policy landscapes, represents their interests in legislative forums, and delivers strategic, actionable insights. Adam’s career includes key roles with the Colorado General Assembly, Adams County Government, the City & County of Denver, and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Adam has played a central role in shaping policy across all levels of government.

Personally, Adam embraced sobriety in May 2022 after a decade-long battle with alcoholism. What began as casual drinking in his teens escalated into a harmful coping mechanism. Facing significant personal and professional challenges, he found recovery through community and commitment. Sobriety remains a daily journey for Adam, driven by connection, service, and the belief that change is possible for anyone ready to take the steps.

New Funding Support: Empowering our Mission

We greatly appreciate the recently awarded foundation funds to RecoveryWorks from the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation and Colorado Gives Foundation- Food Security Grant. Your support makes our work possible and drives meaningful change for our community’s unhoused neighbors. Thank you for working with us to create pathways to stability and recovery in our community!